What is the Firaxis Feature Workshop?
In January, we held our first-ever round of the Firaxis Feature Workshop, a new community-focused, collaborative space to gather early input directly from the Civ VII community on in-development game features.
Currently, we're continuing to test reworked approaches to Victories and Legacy Paths, as well as a new (and optional) way to play as the same civilization throughout all three in-game Ages. We're referring to this suite of new and overhauled features as our "Test of Time" update. For a more detailed overview, check out our recent article celebrating Civ VII's first anniversary.
Firaxis Feature Workshop: Round 2
For those interested in joining, Round 2 is coming soon, and it's expanding!
We started this workshop as a private initiative to test new and updated features in an early state. However, as we look toward Round 2, we think it's important to make the process more transparent. Starting today, Round 1 participants can now request Steam Playtest Keys directly in our Discord to share with their friends..
For an idea of what to expect throughout, you can read our full breakdown of Round 1 and plans for Round 2 here, and take a look at the upcoming round's schedule below:
- Starting Feb 13: Claim your keys, join the Discord, and get settled!
- Week of Feb 19: Round 2 Goes Live. The build becomes available for download
- Week of Feb 26 at 9AM PT/12PM ET: Round 2 Ends. The build will become inaccessible as we take the data back to the lab..
*Don’t forget to join the Firaxis Feature Workshop Discord! If you have a Steam Playtest Key, that is your Discord Entry Code! You can join as soon as you receive a Steam key to unlock the discussion channels and exclusive updates!
Technical Requirements
PLEASE NOTE: There are still some technical requirement for participants:
- This Workshop is Steam-only.
- Players must own Civilization VII on Steam to participate.
- If a friend owns the game on PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch—but not on Steam—they will not be able to access the Workshop build.
- The current build is available in English only.
FAQs
Access & Invitations
Why are we opening the Firaxis Feature Workshop to more players now?
Round 1 was designed to be a focused collaborative space meant to validate core concepts with a smaller group of dedicated players. For Round 2, our goal is to further test the game’s updated infrastructure and systems at a larger scale. Expanding the workshop allows us to gather broader data and see how the "Test of Time" content holds up when more players are interacting simultaneously.
How do I join the Firaxis Feature Workshop for Round 2?
For Round 2, we are growing through our Discord community. If you know a current workshop participant, ask them for a Workshop invite! Once you join the server, you’ll find instructions on how to access the Steam build (and generate your own shareable keys!). Also, keep an eye on Civ creators, who may be distributing Workshop access keys to their communities.
Why do I need an invitation? How can I join if I am not invited?
While we are expanding, this is still a work-in-progress environment. Using a "buddy system" allows us to grow the community organically while ensuring new participants have a connection to players who understand the workshop culture. If you haven't been invited, follow our official community hubs and partnered creators for potential key drops!
Can I pre-download the build before the Round starts?
No. While you can accept an invite and join the Discord community starting February 13, the build will not be available for download until Round 2 officially begins.
I redeemed my key, but the Workshop isn't in my Library. Why?
If Round 2 has officially begun and you are not seeing the Workshop in your library after you’ve redeemed your key, please ensure you are checking the Steam Library on a PC and own the base game on that account. You may also need to restart the Steam client.
Is there a limit to how many people can join?
Yes. To ensure our team can meaningfully process feedback, we have implemented a total player cap. Once we hit that limit, the invitation system will be paused. We recommend accepting and verifying your invite as soon as possible.
What if I am invited to participate but am unavailable to play during the Round 2 window?
No problem! Participation is entirely voluntary. If you can’t make this round, stay tuned for potential future Firaxis Feature Workshop opportunities.
Technical & Platform Requirements
Is this only for Civilization VII?
Yes. This specific workshop is dedicated to the development and refinement of Civilization VII.
Can I join if I play on PlayStation or Xbox?
No. Currently, the workshop is only compatible with the Steam platform. Even if you own the game on console, you must own the base game on Steam to access this special build.
Do I have to be on Discord to participate?
No, but it is highly encouraged. The Firaxis Feature Workshop Discord is a private space for playtesters where we share change notes and technical updates, and it is the only place where you can share feedback with the dev team.
Participation & Commitment
How long does Round 2 last?
Round 2 will be a focused seven-day sprint. You can play as much or as little as you like, but we ask that you provide feedback via our surveys to help us improve the game.
Is the Firaxis Feature Workshop available in my language?
For the duration of the Workshop, the build, UI, and all feedback tools will be in English only.
I was given a key; what do I do next?
Redeem the code on Steam when the Round begins. Use that same Steam key as your entry code to enter the private Discord and unlock the discussion channels and exclusive updates!
Is this a paid opportunity?
No. This is a voluntary program for players who want to help shape the future of Civilization VII.
Do I get anything for joining?
The main reward is the opportunity to play Civ VII features early and have the opportunity for your feedback to impact the development process.
What kind of info will you be gathering?
We collect gameplay telemetry (how you play) and direct feedback via surveys and Discord discussions. This data helps us balance mechanics and identify technical issues.
How can I opt out of the Firaxis Feature Workshop program and no longer be contacted?
You can leave the Discord at any time and uninstall the workshop build. If you wish to be removed from our mailing list, please opt out here.
Will my progress in the workshop carry over to the final game?
No. The Firaxis Feature Workshop is a separate environment used for testing specific features. Progress and save games will not carry over to the retail version of Civilization VII.
Sharing Feedback
Is there a way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the workshop if I am not a participant?
Yes! We'll be publicly sharing updates on how the Firaxis Feature Workshop is progressing. Updates and learnings from each session will be shared via the Latest News feed, as well as the Firaxis Feature Workshop page you're currently on!
When are these features coming to the main game?
The workshop is a laboratory for features in active development. We don't have a specific date for when these will hit the live game, as we are iterating based on your feedback.
Why so much testing? Are you listening to feedback on things other than the "Test of Time Update?"
Absolutely. While our deep-dive articles focus on specific features we are currently stress-testing, we want to be clear: we hear everything. Even if a feature hasn't received a dedicated article yet, please know it is on our radar.
